Clippers Slack Chat: Kawhi Leonard resting shouldn’t upset everyone
![LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 6: Kawhi Leonard #2, and Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers look on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 6, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 6: Kawhi Leonard #2, and Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers look on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 6, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/24b8952d11fb0ecd04f9b277f89d17b591e2e52063e82b24bbc7bda67633d303.jpg)
The team’s responsibility
Ryan: And I asked you this earlier, but does the team owe it to the fans to be completely upfront in regards to something like a player’s health? Are they being irresponsible to people buying tickets or helping those who want to see the team succeed later on?
Seth: I mean, you can be both right? Full disclaimer, I’m all the way in favor of Kawhi taking off the games he needs to. I am not anti load management.
But why not say something like “Until we’re sure Kawhi is healthy enough to play a full schedule, we’ll be limiting him on back to back games going forward.”
Cannon: I can understand how some will be disappointed, but I hope everyone understands it’s for the greater good.
Seth: Then you don’t get people who bought tickets to see Kawhi vs Giannis and are disappointed.
Ryan: Do you see the NBA addressing this then? They know it upsets the general population, especially those just tuning in on a random Wednesday. Should they be working to eliminate back-to-backs? The Clippers only have two games this week. They are back-to-back on national television. What’s the point in doing that?
Seth: Yes, I think they should. It’ll never happen because of money, but cut the number of games and eliminate back to backs.
Ryan: Maybe they eliminate them in favor of doing something else? I’ve seen people ask for a mid-season tournament of some sort. Not sure of how the logistics work, but you could make up your extra money there. On a related note, some people don’t think eliminating back-to-backs would even work due to how the league is viewed. Do you agree?
Sked could be 76, 66 or 56 games, players would still rest. Playing nightly is not a source of pride anymore since critics decided to judge by analytics & rings. (Feel free to paraphrase & take as your own).
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) November 6, 2019
Cannon: I’m not for reducing the number of games, and I doubt the owners are either. But, I do think they should start the season earlier.
Seth: Not really, but just because I don’t really buy into the point of pride argument. These dudes want to be healthy and not end up blowing out every tendon they have. I don’t think that’s cause they have less pride in their game, or anything like that.
Ryan: Right. I think Kawhi would love to be able to play. I mean, the dude just loves hooping. But he also has addressed the fact that these are essentially 82 practices for him. Who cares about missing a couple of practices?
Cannon: Allen Iverson doesn’t.